Advice on hawk(??we think) attack, please

[Just4chicks]

yeah, you can leave it where it is. If they are hungry or thirsty, the will eat or drink. Adding Filay back in the flock should boost their confidence also.

I think my electrolyte question may have gotten lost in the stream. Is there a certain kind? And how long should I give it to her?

 

[Just4chicks]

neosporin in the wounds is the best how is she acting now ? eating drinking, pooping ?
looks like you have it under control pretty darn well

I might have posted my response to you in the wrong place but I want to thank you for your help and support!

 

[Sunshine Flock]

You're doing a great job caring for her.

The wounds look quite small and pretty straight forward to address, as long as her body cavity and organs weren't pierced. Even then everything is indicating she's going to make a nice recovery.

My concern with Blue Kote is that the color could mask infection and bruising, both telltale signs of how she's progressing. And I recently read some comments that indicate Blue Kote stings and can add to a chicken's stress.

Neosporin is a favorite in the forums, but there are actually lots of options. Raw, unpasteurized honey is an excellent healer. Do give her daily warm epsom salt baths, full body. You can use a wash cloth to saturate her wounds repeatedly and to flush under her wings and other feathers. The salt soaks will also help with other wounds you may not have discovered just yet.

Considering the size of the wounds, she probably can be returned to her flock soon, but personally I would keep her in a warm room or a make shift coop or brooder in a garage for a week. My feeling is that warmth comforts injured chickens and can help them relax and aid in the healing process.

Should one of the wounds open and begin to bleed, unbeknownst to you, the others will peck and dig and exacerbate the injury. That's why I feel reintegration with the flock should be delayed.

But supervised visitations with her hens are important to maintain her need to socialize with them. They are prone to depression, just like any creature. You can bring one to visit while you knit or read a book, and if possible give her a view of the chicken run.

I would continue to feed her cooked eggs or canned tuna or salmon to boost her daily protein intake. I learned in the forums that increased protein aids with the body's ability to heal itself.

As for the other hens, when my rooster was attacked by a coyote a few months ago, the ones who were laying eggs stopped. They exhibited signs of stress for a good week or so, and continued to be cautious and watchful and unsure of themselves without Henry during his recovery.

How are her legs and ability to walk?

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I think my electrolyte question may have gotten lost in the stream. Is there a certain kind? And how long should I give it to her?

Rooster Booster seems like a great product. I would think you could do a week on and three days off, and then another week. I prefer cycles when treating myself and my animals. But you may be able to give it daily. As for dosage, just follow the instructions, unless someone here recommends creating a super dose as a quick boost. It doesn't seem necessary for her, though, based on what you've described with her progress.

 

[AmazingRachel]

I think my electrolyte question may have gotten lost in the stream. Is there a certain kind? And how long should I give it to her?

I use Rooster Booster

 

[chickenreyna]

Im not an eggspert but to answer number 3, have hiding places that will make them feel secure. They will be dramatized from this event for a little.for example i leaned Wooden pallets against my house with shower curtain liner. ($1@ddollartree) or a vinyl table cloth hinged over the pallet. They hide there anytime they hear an unfamiliar noise for safety. Hope this helps with one of your questions!

 

[Just4chicks]

You're doing a great job caring for her.

The wounds look quite small and pretty straight forward to address, as long as her body cavity and organs weren't pierced. Even then everything is indicating she's going to make a nice recovery.

My concern with Blue Kote is that the color could mask infection and bruising, both telltale signs of how she's progressing. And I recently read some comments that indicate Blue Kote stings and can add to a chicken's stress.

Neosporin is a favorite in the forums, but there are actually lots of options. Raw, unpasteurized honey is an excellent healer. Do give her daily warm epsom salt baths, full body. You can use a wash cloth to saturate her wounds repeatedly and to flush under her wings and other feathers. The salt soaks will also help with other wounds you may not have discovered just yet.

Considering the size of the wounds, she probably can be returned to her flock soon, but personally I would keep her in a warm room or a make shift coop or brooder in a garage for a week. My feeling is that warmth comforts injured chickens and can help them relax and aid in the healing process.

Should one of the wounds open and begin to bleed, unbeknownst to you, the others will peck and dig and exacerbate the injury. That's why I feel reintegration with the flock should be delayed.

But supervised visitations with her hens are important to maintain her need to socialize with them. They are prone to depression, just like any creature. You can bring one to visit while you knit or read a book, and if possible give her a view of the chicken run.

I would continue to feed her cooked eggs or canned tuna or salmon to boost her daily protein intake. I learned in the forums that increased protein aids with the body's ability to heal itself.

As for the other hens, when my rooster was attacked by a coyote a few months ago, the ones who were laying eggs stopped. They exhibited signs of stress for a good week or so, and continued to be cautious and watchful and unsure of themselves without Henry during his recovery.

How are her legs and ability to walk?

I have hesitated on the BluKote for that very reason so I could monitor her injuries better. She's had a lot of color change just in a couple days.

I wasn't sure what I was doing with the salt bath so I just filled the tub and gently held her in place (head and neck above water of course). She didn't think it was a great idea at first but when the water was draining she started squatting down to stay in the water. Is it supposed to be more of a washcloth sponge bath or an actual soak in the tub?

She is currently staying in my spare shower with foam and papers down. This way I can keep a better eye on her AND my two littles who need just as much supervision. We put in a very low tension shower rod roost now that she's feeling more herself.
Her walking wasn't normal at first but it really seemed like she was slow to move because it hurt. She is walking fine now just still limits how much she moves.

 

[Just4chicks]

I use Rooster Booster

Great thank you. Thanks so much for all your help!!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Great thank you. Thanks so much for all your help!!

no matter how many post and all the confusing advice you have done fantastic for her You have be proud of yourself

 

[Just4chicks]

Great

Im not an eggspert but to answer number 3, have hiding places that will make them feel secure. They will be dramatized from this event for a little.for example i leaned Wooden pallets against my house with shower curtain liner. ($1@ddollartree) or a vinyl table cloth hinged over the pallet. They hide there anytime they hear an unfamiliar noise for safety. Hope this helps with one of your questions!

Great ideas thank you!!